A Retrospective on the 1906 Earthquake's Impact on Bay Area and California Public Policy

Abstract

The 1906 earthquake's influence has been both a blessing and curse on the Bay Area's and California's progress to effectively manage earthquake risk. This earthquake, and its impacts noted in the historical record, have both motivated and discouraged policymakers to act through mitigation and improved emergency response. This paper scrutinizes the 1906 earthquake using a public policy perspective. Building from that experience improves the region's future earthquake risk management efforts.